THE WORLD IS BEAUTIFUL

by **Paul** Wed 20 Dec 2023, 7:38 am

National Sangria Day
The Spanish have spiked the punch and we're definitely here for it.

Every year on December 20, we celebrate National Sangria Day! The Spanish have spiked the punch and we’re definitely here for it. Whether you prefer it red or white, a nice chilled Sangria is no doubt refreshing, and instantly transports you to the sandy beaches of Spain in the Summer.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL SANGRIA DAY

Early Greeks and Romans used to mix their wine with sugar, spices, and whatever else was on hand. These drinks were called “hippocras” and were sometimes heated like mulled wine. Hippocras is the common precedent of both mulled wine and sangria. These were consumed regularly because water at the time was filled with bacteria and unsafe to drink. Adding a splash of alcohol made the water drinkable, and mixing it with watered down wine gave it flavor.
Sangria is specifically based on the traditional red wine punch popular across Europe for hundreds of years. The punch base would be claret — a British term for Bordeaux wine from Bordeaux, France. This red wine is traditionally made from a blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and merlot. Brandy and fruit would also be added for extra flavor. In the 1700s and 1800s, “Claret Cup Punch” would be present at parties of all sizes. It’s even the drink of choice for Jane Austen heroines.
The Phoenicians and Romans planted miles of vineyards in Spain in 1,100 BC and 200 BC respectively. This prompted a very active wine shipping trade, with the wines of Spain quenching most of Rome’s thirst. Red grapes and fruits grew very well in Spain’s climate, and the locals began calling their wine punches Sangria, which means bloodletting in Spanish. In south Spain, the punch is often called zurra, and is created with peach or nectarine. The Spanish mostly base their sangria with red wines, but it can also be made with white wine, known as “sangria blanco.”

NATIONAL SANGRIA DAY STATISTICS

[size]
9.3% increase in popularity
Though most Americans prefer to drink it in the summer months, sangria’s popularity continues to grow year round. How could it not, the alcoholic punch is delicious, refreshing, and packed with wine soaked fruit! It’s definitely the perfect summer drink, but you can also heat it up in the winter to have a warm and toasty hot beverage. Talk about versatility!

120 million Americans drink wine
Of all the wine aficionados, Millennials and Baby Boomers make up the majority of wine consumers. Wine is considered the celebration drink of choice. Whether you bring out the champagne, a full red, or a refreshing white, there’s always a wine that’s perfect for any occasion. No wonder 36% of Americans drink wine. From job achievements, college graduations, and the creation of new families, Americans have lots to celebrate.

550,000 locations sell wine in the US
That’s about a 120,000 increase in outlets over the past ten years. Where before you might only be able to order wine at a sit-down restaurant or an art exhibit serving expensive aged reds and whites, you can now order a glass of wine at bookshops, movie theaters, and even car washes! We’re not complaining though, order a glass of white and peruse your favorite genre at your wine-serving bookstore. It’s essentially the perfect afternoon.

[/size]

NATIONAL SANGRIA DAY ACTIVITIES

[list="holiday-list holiday-list-celebrate"][*]

Add a little spice to your Wednesday night

This year, National Sangria Day lands on Wine Wednesday, a weekly tradition that many people partake in. Turn that glass of wine you'd normally be drinking into a tasty sangria. Just add some apples, grapes, peaches, and fresh cinnamon.

[*]

Host a sangria tasting night

Invite your friends and family over for a night that is sure to end in red smiles. Have everyone bring their favorite homemade sangria and share their recipes!

[*]

Have a white sangria brunch

White sangria is best enjoyed during a nice brunch. Host a brunch, and instead of mimosas, make the signature drink be a white sangria.

[/list]

WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL SANGRIA DAY

[list="holiday-list holiday-list-loveit"][*]

It's good for the heart

Traditional sangria contains red wine, which is full of antioxidants, and is great for maintaining a healthy heart. Although many people are still on the fence about this claim, everyone agrees that drinking sangria with family and friends makes the heart full of joy.

[*]

There is a sangria for everyone

Whether you prefer a white wine over the traditional red, or can't drink wine overall, there are different variations of this classic beverage. Choose a red or white wine, or grape juice and just add your favorite fresh fruits to your liking. It's that simple.

[*]

It makes regular wine festive

Tired of drinking the same bottle of wine? Sangria calls for fresh fruit and spices, which adds a kick of flavor to that bottle of merlot you have collecting dust. Plus, the pieces of floating fruit make for a fancy looking drink.

[/list]